Resources for journalists covering the environment or extreme weather

Flooding
Journalists report in a flooded area as the Charente River overflows in Saintes in western France on February 8, 2021. (Reuters/Stephane Mahe)

Whether you’re a reporter on the frontlines of extreme weather events like fires and flash floods or an environmental journalist digging into stories of corruption, poor governance, bad business, or the science of the climate crisis, the list of potential risks is long.

CPJ has assembled resources intended to help journalists carry out this critical work, ensuring they can better prepare for or mitigate the various threats and dangers they may encounter. CPJ recommends completing a risk assessment ahead of your assignment.

For journalists covering the environment

Journalists covering environmental stories can often draw the ire of those with a vested interest in stifling information. CPJ has tools to help you manage or mitigate potential dangers.

Physical and Digital Safety: Arrest and Detention
Physical and Digital Safety: Protecting Confidential Sources
Digital Safety: Adversarial or confrontational sources
Safety Advisory: Covering the Amazon basin

For journalists covering extreme weather

Covering natural disasters can be dangerous even for the most experienced journalists. CPJ has resources to help you navigate these potentially difficult or risky assignments.

Physical Safety: Covering extreme weather and natural disasters
Physical Safety: Reporting during flash floods
Physical Safety: Covering wildfires
Psychological Safety

In addition to physical and digital risks, journalists covering environmental stories may face legal threats or intimidation in many contexts. CPJ has a range of legal resources for journalists targeted with legal threats.

If you or your newsroom has additional questions or safety concerns please email [email protected].